Hi readers
What a big weekend we have coming up in the Burdekin!
For those eager to dress to the nines for a day at the races, the Burdekin Growers Race Day is the place to be on Saturday.
I have friends from Ingham who, before I moved to Home Hill, told me all about the iconic race day and I’ve certainly been feeling the excitement throughout town.
I’ll sadly miss the big day as I’ll be heading down to Mackay for my cousin’s engagement party (certainly not a sad alternative), but my trusty colleague Chelsea will be there with camera in hand capturing the fun and frocky moments.
Sunday will see a different kind of race, one that the whole family can enjoy: the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race hosted by the Rotary Club of Ayr.
The morning will see family-friendly activities, live music from the Burdekin Brass Band and a sea of yellow racing down Plantation Creek.
If you’re looking for something to do, our Social Life section is the place to go to read all about it; head to pages 24-27.
Lastly, I must thank everyone for sharing their well wishes with me upon my bittersweet announcement last week.
In case you missed it, I’ll be leaving the Burdekin in June as I head back to southeast Queensland to be closer to family and friends.
The community’s response has been an excellent example of how friendly and welcoming the people of the Burdekin really are.

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With the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod well underway, students from Burdekin Christian College have been putting their hospitality skills to the test, preparing and providing food and beverages for the countless volunteers involved in the Eisteddfod.
The school took to social media to share their pride with their students.
“So proud of our Eisteddfod helpers today,” the post read.
“What an amazing job they have been doing to keep all the volunteers fed and watered!”
The school also urged the public to pay a visit to the lobby of the Burdekin Theatre, where the Junior Eisteddfod is being held, to peruse some of the students’ artwork on display.
“Make sure you check out the Burdekin Theatre lobby this week to see the fantastic art displays on site!”
Celebrating its 40th year in 2024, the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is held from May 8 to May 16, 2024.
The event is held each year and invites the youth of North Queensland, particularly those from the Burdekin, to showcase their talents, increase their self-esteem and further their life experiences.
Visit Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Inc. on Facebook for results and more information.

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Burdekin Christian College have assisted the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod by preparing food and beverages for volunteers. Photo credit: Burdekin Christian College

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Easing cost of living pressures and investing in an Australian-made future are at the forefront of the Australian Government’s 2024-25 budget which was handed down on Tuesday, May 14.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the budget “responsible and restrained”, saying, “This Budget strikes the right balance between keeping pressure off inflation, delivering cost of living relief, supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening public finances.
“This Budget forecasts a second surplus in 2023–24, which would be the first time a government has delivered back‑to‑back surpluses in nearly two decades,” he continued.
But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has been left unsatisfied with the results for his electorate, saying “Dawson’s missed out again”.
“When you’ve got an area like ours that contributes so much to the Australian economy, if you’re going to keep people working and contributing, you need to give them services,” he said.
Mr Willcox said he’d hoped for more investment in the Bruce Highway as well as cost-of-living relief in the form of “something that could actually be tangible and would help people”.
The Federal Member said while there has been little investment in his electorate announced, he’s not giving up.
“We’re the biggest sugar growing area in the country and 80% of our sugar is exported,” he said.
“People, at some point, are going to have to wake up; where we get our food and fibre from and where the money is generated is in rural and regional Australia, so if you want to keep that money going and you want to keep food on the table, we need to look after the people in areas like my region of Dawson.
“I’ll be constantly trying to look for what we can do, putting business cases forward and lobbying for my people to make sure we can get our fair share.
“I’ll be following this through and, every time there’s an opportunity to stand up for the people of Dawson, that’s what I’ll be doing.”

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2024-25 Budget Highlights
   • Easing cost of living pressures with tax cuts, energy rebates, rental assistance, student debt cuts and cheaper medicine.
   • Building more homes for Australians with more social and affordable housing, more infrastructure and removal of red tape, better transport for more accessible cities and suburbs and increased housing for students.
   • Investing in a Future Made in Australia and the skills and universities needed to make it a reality with a $22.7 billion investment over a decade to build a stronger and more resilient economy powered by clean energy, creating more well‑paid jobs and facilitating private investment.
   • Strengthening Medicare and the care economy with more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, free access to mental health care for more Australians, additional home care packages, essential funding for in person and online service delivery and provisioning for wage increases for aged care and early childhood education and care workers.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is “disappointed” with the Australian Government’s 2023-24 budget

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The Burdekin Chamber will host one of the most magnificent marketing events of the year on Thursday May 23 at the Kalamia Hotel.

A part of Small Business Month, the event will be presented by Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University. Natasha is known for her down-to-earth and engaging presentation style as she dives into all things marketing in an educational environment. With over 25 years of experience, Natasha understands the importance of supporting local businesses and is a Certified Practicing Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute.

Burdekin Chamber President, Leigh Kefford, explained the Chamber has been working to bring an event like the upcoming Marketing Mingle to the Burdekin since January, and he believes small businessowners will greatly benefit from attending.

“The event will benefit small businesses and the community at large mostly teaching businesses owners on how to market their businesses to their local and external communities, and they’ll learn something different from what they think traditional marketing is to further benefit their customers,” explained Leigh.

The event will stand as a highly educational evening where Natasha will explore all areas of business including products, pricing, advertising, customer service, and marketing. Attendees are expected to leave feeling confident with a new toolkit of entrepreneurial strategies to implement into their businesses.

“The event will not purely talk about social media, but everything to do with marketing, because everything is marketing,” said Leigh.

The Burdekin Chamber will provide complimentary food and drinks throughout the free event running from 6pm – 8pm, and all attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the Burdekin Chamber website.

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What: Marketing Mingle: Network and Marketing Night
When: Thursday May 23 from 6pm – 8pm
Where: Kalamia Hotel, Queen Street, Ayr
More Information: www.burdekinchamber.com.au

Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University, will present Burdekin Chamber’s Marketing Mingle

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Opinion Piece

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has called Federal Government’s announcement for an extra $467m worth of funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway a “slap in the face” for the people of Dawson.

Mr Willcox said the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Treasurer is nothing more than a smokescreen, and that he is “insulted and infuriated” on behalf of everyone living and working in Dawson who has once again missed out.

“The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through the electorate of Dawson has been rated the most dangerous section, and this announcement by the Albanese Labor Government sees funding provisions for everywhere but the area that needs it the most,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Prime Minister is on record this week confirming that the Bruce Highway ‘should be’ as good as the M1 between Brisbane and Sydney, so why isn’t he actually doing something about it instead of yet again, hiding behind promises that are entirely political and full of potholes.

“This comes after the Prime Minister cut more than $200m worth of road projects in Queensland following his infrastructure review, as well as lowering the funding contribution provided by the Federal Government to help complete these projects.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last agreed with his federal counterpart, saying the so-called budget boost for the Bruce Highway proves that both the state and federal governments have no understanding of regional Queensland’s reliance on the highway.

“While $467 million sounds like a huge investment, very little will change in real terms,” Mr Last said.  

“The Haughton Flood Plain Upgrade alone cost more than the total amount the federal government has allocated to the entire 1,700km of the Bruce Highway.

“It is nothing short of insulting that the federal Treasurer can call this a budget for the Bruce when, in today’s terms, the announcement would bring less than 1% of the highway up to standard.  

“Canberra and Brisbane might think it’s a great announcement but, in regional Queensland, we know it’s nothing short of a hoax.”

“With the current state of the Bruce Highway, there’s barely enough money to fill the potholes, let alone make the road safer.

“In addition to the economic importance of the Bruce it is a fact that lives are being lost on an almost daily basis and the majority of those are in regional Queensland.”

Mr Willcox said the people living and working in Dawson deserve a safe road to drive on to get to work safely and return home safely to their loved ones.

“The roads in Dawson are a necessity; they are how we get our product to market and receive our supplies from the city,” he said.

“Rural and regional areas such as Dawson are the heart of our country, where all our food and fibre is produced.

“Without rural and regional areas, this country wouldn’t be what it is today.

“This current government needs to stop ignoring that reality and start investing in the future of these areas before it is too late.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling for more federal funding for the Bruce Highway

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, inspects the planned upgrades of the Bruce Highway prior to construction of the Haughton Flood Plain project

Photos supplied

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Zonta International members across Queensland, including members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, are calling on all men to be part of the conversation about gender-based violence this May.
Lyn Agnew, Governor of Zonta International District 22, said that the month of May is traditionally recognised as Domestic Violence month in Queensland.
This May, Zonta International and other advocacy groups are demanding that violence against women be declared a national emergency after three women were allegedly killed by men known to them.
“These three femicides are three too many,” Ms Agnew said.
“Their deaths should be seen as a wake-up call to communities.
“This year alone 28 women have died due to gender-based violence.
“This is 14 more compared to this time last year.
“We have seen increased activism against this senseless violence across Australia and throughout Queensland women are speaking out.
“But now is the time for us to see and hear the men in our communities.”
Ms Agnew said simply not enough is being done to prevent the violence.
“We have very good support systems and services for victims of domestic and family violence, but as a community we need to look at ways to stop the violence from happening in the first place,” she said.
“This May, we have an opportunity to raise awareness to the issue and call on men in particular to be part of the solution.”
Many victim survivors advocate that education of young men and women is crucial in the fight against violence.
Education about the power dynamics of abusive relationships, someone's religion, someone's background, disability and socio-economic status affects them and makes them more vulnerable.
"It's really important that men stand up and support women in their communities, talk to their friends, make sure to call out bad behaviour as it happens, recognise the red flags and triggers of an unhealthy relationship, and raise concerns," Ms Agnew said.
“This is everyone’s problem to solve.”

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16 days of Activism - Zonta Club Burdekin Inc club members
Placement of "Zonta Says No"  Banner outside St Francis School - Isabel Stubbs, Debbie Watson, Karen Clark, Judy Mitchell, Judy Sgarbossa and Lyn Butterworth
Plantation Park Walk - Isabel Stubbs, Inez Larsen and Judy Sgarbossa
Church Service - Isabel Stubbs, Judy Sgarbossa and Pastor Karen Ellen
Photos supplied

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At 4.50pm on Tuesday 16 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 18 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .148. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 2.25am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 2.35am on Sunday 21 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .054. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 7.45pm on Sunday 21 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Bruce highway, Brandon. As a result, a 24yr old Cairns man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .112. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May. At 9.55pm later that same night, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Ayr said to be drive by the same 24yr old Cairns man, who was issued with a further NTA for drink driving, .089 and driving on a suspended licence, both matters also set down for Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Seventh Avenue, Home Hill. The driver, a 51yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Jones Street, Ayr. As a result, a 67yr old Townsville man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .056. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 25 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. As a result, a 35yr old Ipswich man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .079. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.25am on Saturday 4 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 65yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .116. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bower Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .077. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 11.15am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police were called to a street disturbance in Munro Street, Ayr. As a result of investigations, a 30yr old Burdekin woman was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm, going armed so as to cause fear and contravening a requirement given by a Police Officer. She is next due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 7 June.

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At 1.55pm on Tuesday 7 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 60yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.20pm on Thursday 9 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR

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Volunteer organisations in Dawson are set to receive a huge boost in funding as Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced that the region will receive more than $66,000 in funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants, which will directly impact 20 local organisations.

Mr Willcox said that these grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedication to our region deserves recognition and support,” Mr Willcox said.

“Volunteering also provides an effective pathway to get people into jobs, helps break down the barriers of marginalisation and fosters community participation.

“To all the volunteers across the Dawson electorate, I say thank you and congratulations.

“You truly are the backbone of our society.

“This funding is well deserved, keep up the incredible work that you do.”

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants provide organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to benefit the work of their volunteers.

This includes to purchase minor equipment, provide training, cover fuel costs, promote awareness of volunteering opportunities or adjust policies and procedures to strengthen member safety.

Mr Willcox urged any volunteer or community organisation to contact his office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au to be added to the grant list to receive information about any current or future grants.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Burdekin Men’s Shed

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Did You Know you can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it?
Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dial emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is reaching out to organisations like BCA who can offer assistance, information and counselling.
Signs of domestic violence can vary and may include physical injuries, frequent absences from work or social activities, noticeable changes in behaviour or mood, isolation from friends and family, controlling or possessive behaviour from a partner, and fearfulness or anxiety around their partner. When you notice these signs, it's vital to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. Express concern for their wellbeing and offer support without judgment. Encourage them to seek help from professionals who are trained to handle such situations safely and confidentially.
Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) is a local service provider that can offer support services such as counselling, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and legal services, or DV Connect (1800 811 811) who are also available for crisis support 24-7. Both BCA and DV Connect can guide people through the process of seeking help and will provide ongoing support as they navigate their situation.
Remember, domestic and family violence thrives in silence. By speaking up and offering support, you can help break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to seek the assistance they need to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
For support or information please visit the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph 4783 3744 or Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Rebecca Grogan
Service Manager, Housing and Community Support Service

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As a team, we're shifting our perspective on failures. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn't achieve, we're embracing them as stepping stones towards improvement. We can train our minds to recognise that every failure comes with a valuable lesson. Although we may not have achieved our goal this time, we can learn something from the effort to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Have you ever felt like you're giving your all, but things just don't seem to work out? It's a sign that we need to pause, reflect, and adapt our approach. Remember, the key to success is not repeating the same actions, but in our ability to learn, grow, and improve.

Are you trying to tackle an ‘issue’ on your own? It is so easy to get overwhelmed and not know how to move forward. This is when the community can help. Sharing our experiences often brings forward others who have tackled similar issues. These conversations are opportunities to ‘brainstorm’ possible solutions or alternative methods you haven’t attempted. By taking the initiative to help yourself, you also have the potential to positively impact the person you're talking with.

Sharing experiences with someone who has gone through a similar journey can be a powerful way to begin healing. Conversations often trigger an unconscious reflective process, where both parties share what has worked for them and what hasn't, acknowledging how far they have come and how far they still must go. This exchange of ideas can be beneficial in helping individuals feel less alone in their journey and providing them with effective coping mechanisms.

There are just under 17,000 people in the Burdekin. Somewhere amongst all our community members is someone(s) who has walked a similar path.  It’s finding and making a connection.  All it takes is one step forward by everyone…

Sometimes, failure is not about the action you took; it can be about the action you didn’t.  

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Wow!! What an exciting few weeks the Burdekin has seen. Since the start of April the Burdekin has hosted the Shane Muspratt Cup, Burdekin Rags to Runway, Burdekin Sugar Rush, Home Hill Canefield Ashes - Cricket, Home Hill Sugar Bowl – Tennis, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Burdekin Craft Spectacular, Intercity Tenpin Bowling Tournament (the longest running teams event for bowling in Australia which is pretty amazing) and the Justin Scott Fishing Classic just to name a few!

This weekend will see the Burdekin Grower Race Day bring thousands to town. Now in its 26th year, this event is a fantastic showcase of what can be done by a great club and amazing volunteers. The fashions on the day rival any race day in Australia as does the operation, organisation and execution of what is no doubt a mountain of work.

This event, and all the ones previously mentioned (apologies as I’m sure I missed some) are all a reminder of how the mighty Burdekin punches well above its weight when it comes to delivering events of the highest quality. I personally attribute this to the Burdekin’s amazing volunteer base. All these events would not survive without the volunteers who run them and the people and businesses that support them.
I’d like to thank all the clubs and volunteers for all that they do. We certainly can’t say we are starved for entertainment in the Burdekin.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join its Economic Development Advisory Group? Since its establishment in 2020, this group has been instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of the region, and now it's seeking members to continue its vital work.
According to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, this advisory group serves as a crucial body, providing insights and recommendations on key economic strategies, projects, and initiatives. The focus is on fostering growth, employment, and prosperity within the Burdekin Shire, with a commitment to implementing the Burdekin Economic Development Strategy and Burdekin Tourism Strategy.
The responsibilities of the Economic Development Advisory Group include offering ongoing advice and support to the Council, facilitating economic and tourism opportunities, and promoting initiatives that lead to increased employment, new industry development, business growth, attraction of new residents, and enhanced visitor activity in the shire.
Interested individuals with expertise and experience in fields such as business, tourism, industry are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for the group. Nomination forms and further information can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website or by contacting the Council directly.
Nominations close on Friday 14 June 2024, and successful candidates will be appointed following a thorough selection process. Join in shaping the future of economic development in the Burdekin Shire and contribute to building a vibrant and prosperous community for generations to come!
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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In a heartwarming stride towards supporting the educational needs of underprivileged children, the Joyful Foundation was awarded a vital Bendigo Bank Grant from our local community bank, bolstering its ongoing efforts in North Queensland.
Grace Vigar, President of the Joyful Foundation, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasising its impact on the organisation's mission and the local community.
Established in 2012 to honour the legacy of the late educator Joy Donnellan, the Joyful Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to aiding disadvantaged primary school students across North Queensland.
“The Foundation’s mission is to assist disadvantaged students, who for no reason of their own, have it tough,” Ms Vigar said.
“The Joyful Foundation works closely with nearly 100 schools in North Queensland to support the region’s most disadvantaged primary school students to reach their full potential, by providing essentials such as stationery packs, uniforms, school excursions and other opportunities to learn, which they would otherwise go without.”
Chantel Michielin, Manager of our local Bendigo Community Bank, is proud that our community bank can contribute the $1,240 grant which will be instrumental in sustaining the Foundation's annual stationery pack program, benefiting nine local schools in the Burdekin district.
Notably, some recipient schools have enjoyed support from the Joyful Foundation since its inception, with additional contributions such as the installation of ‘Buddy Benches’ aimed at fostering supportive and inclusive school environments.
“As a champion for anti-bullying, the Joyful Foundation has installed close to 80 Buddy Benches in schools across North Queensland to promote a caring, nurturing and supportive learning environment,” Ms Vigar said.
Reflecting on the significance of the grant, Ms Vigar highlighted the invaluable role community support plays in uplifting disadvantaged children.
“The grant allows us to continue our campaign of helping local disadvantaged children makes the efforts of all our volunteers so rewarding, in particular knowing we are continuing to carry on the work that Joy Donnellan started as a local teacher before her life was cut short by cancer in 2011,” she said.
“The public love to see when their local bank is supporting and enabling local charities to continue their work within their community.
“Every child matters, and they should not be put in a position when they miss out on the basics of their education merely because of their financial situation.”
Looking ahead, the Joyful Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of spreading joy through educational support.
Ms Vigar encouraged continued public support for the Foundation's initiatives, underscoring the impact of every contribution.

“The Joyful Foundation is a registered charity, made up of solely volunteers, where 100% of our profits go towards our cause of helping those children in need of the necessary tools of learning and other support,” she said.
“Every donation that we receive will help us continue our important work in the North Queensland community.  
“We rely solely on the generosity of the public, as well as the charity’s efforts in continually fundraising to making a difference in our local community.”
As the Joyful Foundation continues to shine a light on educational equity, their partnership with our local Bendigo Community Bank exemplifies the positive impact of community-driven initiatives in fostering brighter futures for vulnerable students.

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L-R Joyful Foundation President Grace Vigar, Joyful Foundation Burdekin Representative Mike L’Huillier and Joyful Foundation Committee Member Les Keane. Photo supplied

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Financial planning firm, Altitude Wealth Management, has continued its growth trajectory in Townsville and the Burdekin with the recent merging of Grasso Financial Services into its business earlier this month.
Established in Townsville in 2007, Altitude Wealth Management is a boutique financial management and advisory firm specialising in retirement planning, investing, superannuation and insurance.
Founder and Practice Principal, Dennis Di Bartolo, said that consolidation in the industry was important to drive cost efficiencies following years of government interference where the cost to provide advice has spiralled.
“Despite government attempts to make financial planning advice more affordable to everyday Australians, increased regulation, higher insurance costs and the cost of living, is putting pressure on salaries which has only added to the cost of advice,” said Mr Di Bartolo.
“Over the past few years, adviser numbers have fallen by 50 per cent across the country following new education requirements to be enforced by January 2026.
“It comes at a time where quality financial planning advice is more necessary than ever to help people navigate the cost-of-living crisis and plan for a comfortable retirement that is not reliant on government support.
“Integrating the Grasso Financial Services business is a good fit for us as it provides strength and synergies to help combat the industry challenges, ensuring continuity and quality advice to clients.”
“My business partner Mark Tyrell and I have taken pride in building a business based around trust, transparency and quality advice. Our clients are our priority, but our people closely follow them, and we know that John, Tonia and team share our values and will be instrumental in building on the success we’ve had thus far.”
Grasso Financial Services was founded in Ayr by John Grasso 18 years ago, with Tonia Sanderson in a supporting role before she became a business partner eight years later. Together with their team, they continued to grow and open a second office in Townsville in 2013.
“As a former Ayr local myself, John and I are long-time mates and the potential to merge is something we have always talked about,” Mr Di Bartolo said.
Combining the two businesses has bolstered their adviser numbers to seven covering all areas of advice with an additional thirteen support staff across the Townsville and Ayr offices.
“It has been a seamless transition,” said Mr Grasso.
“All our staff are very excited about the next phase, and joining with the Altitude Wealth Management team simply strengthens our service proposition and provides continuity to our clients.”

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Photo Left to Right:
Mark Tyrell, Partner Altitude Wealth Management, Tonia Sanderson from Grasso Financial Services, John Grasso from Grasso Financial Services and Dennis Di Bartolo, Founder and Practice Principal of Altitude Wealth Management. Photo supplied

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The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration.
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry.
Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the Far North Queensland and Herbert regions to explain the recent integration of the two organisations.
“This roadshow is about telling the members what we’re doing, what we intend to do, why we’ve done what we’ve done, how we can help them and what services we’re offering,” Mr Ryan said.
“Some of the comments and feedback we’ve been getting are very interesting, saying there are opportunities to do things differently which we’re trying to do.
“We’ve put together a regional focus from the Burdekin Head Office with a series of district committees and members to be grassroots driven but also have a presence in Brisbane with the Australian Cane Farmers Office.”
A canefarmer originally from northern New South Wales, Mr Ryan has been based in Brisbane and working for ACFA for 25 years.
With decades of experience liaising with growers from a member-based organisation, he looks forward to continuing this work alongside a powerful, local and centralised unit in QCAR.
“I’m what you might call an old hand in the industry now,” he laughed.
“I’ve been through a lot of scrapes and battles, deregulation and things like that.
“My experience is right across the industry in many different areas like policy, contracts, political negotiations and the local farming side of things.”
Mr Ryan has seen the sugar cane industry evolve over those decades and is focused on dealing with stakeholders as a unified organisation.
“It’s so important not to be fragmented,” he said.
“When you’re dealing with global partners, you have to be able to have the weight and the numbers behind you and you need to have enough people with specialties in different policy areas to be able to bring outcomes for the members.
“Different areas want different things, but I think the common thread is that if there are new processes and new products in the near future, they want to be able to have the ability to invest in that, to share in it and be part of the conversation.”
Mr Ryan will continue to hear from growers and members as the Roadshow continues through the Burdekin, Central Queensland and Southeast Queensland regions in coming months.
The final stages of the election and selection of committees have been completed ahead of the first board meeting to be held in the Burdekin today, Thursday May 16.
Chair Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and ACFA as the partnership leverages the collective expertise and resources of both organisations to strengthen the sugarcane industry.
“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia,” he said.
“This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change.”
Mr Ryan concluded by saying the partnership signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry.
“We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” he said.
“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”

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Stephen Ryan
FNQ meeting in Babinda
FNQ meeting in Innisfail
Photos supplied

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